Monday, Sep 29, 2025 • Cristal Gonzalez : Contact

The University of Texas at Arlington celebrated the naming of the Debra and Jon Weidanz Tissue Engineering Laboratory during a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, recognizing the couple’s philanthropic support.

The Weidanzes have contributed more than $500,000 cumulatively to UT Arlington, including their recent support of research-enhancing activities in the Department of Bioengineering.

Located in the Engineering Research Building, the 1,354-square-foot lab serves as a hub for cutting-edge research in micro- and nanomaterials for tissue repair, drug delivery systems and nanocomposites for regenerative medicine. The Debra and Jon Weidanz Tissue Engineering Laboratory is the first named lab in the Department of Bioengineering.

“UTA gave me the foundation to pursue a career in science and technology,” said alumna Debra Weidanz (’99 MS, ’97 BS, Electrical Engineering), CEO and chief scientist of Resonant Sensors Incorporated. “Jon and I are excited to invest in the next generation of researchers and help enrich a space where bold ideas can thrive.”

The Weidanzes’ gift will fund equipment upgrades and space improvements, as well as graduate fellowships, undergraduate research opportunities and other programmatic needs that strengthen UTA’s research enterprise.

“This lab represents the kind of collaborative work that drives real progress in advancing health solutions,” said Jon Weidanz, senior associate vice president for research and professor of kinesiology and bioengineering at UTA, and founding director at the Institute of Biomanufacturing and Precision Medicine for North Texas—IMPRINT . “We’re honored to contribute to a project that empowers faculty and students to push boundaries.”

Directed by Kytai Nguyen, the Alfred R. and Janet H. Potvin Distinguished Professor in Bioengineering, the lab’s research focuses on:

• Micro- and nanomaterials for tissue repair and regeneration in lung and vascular disorders
• Nanoparticles for drug delivery applications to treat diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions
• Nanocomposite materials for tissue engineering applications

Michael Cho, the Alfred R. and Janet H. Potvin Chair in Bioengineering, said the gift reflects a deep commitment to fueling scientific discovery, faculty excellence and student success.

“The Weidanzes’ thoughtful investment enables us to modernize our facilities, expand opportunities to engage in high-impact research and equip students with high-level training,” Cho said. “Their generosity strengthens our mission to improve human health through innovation.”

The Weidanzes have a long history of philanthropic support for UTA, with recent gifts benefiting the Office of Research and the Electrical Engineering Excellence Award. Additionally, Debra serves on the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering Industrial Advisory Boards.

About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)

Celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, The University of Texas at Arlington is a growing public research university in the heart of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. With a student body of over 42,700, UTA is the second-largest institution in the University of Texas System, offering more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Recognized as a Carnegie R-1 university, UTA stands among the nation’s top 5% of institutions for research activity. UTA and its 280,000 alumni generate an annual economic impact of $28.8 billion for the state. The University has received the Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities and has earned recognition for its focus on student access and success, considered key drivers to economic growth and social progress for North Texas and beyond.